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Electric Cars

Consumer Reports: EV Reliability Improving but Still Lags Gas Models

2024-12-05

The latest survey by Consumer Reports has revealed a significant shift in the reliability landscape of vehicles. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids have shown remarkable progress in closing the gap with gas-powered automobiles. This development comes as a result of the maturing of EV and plug-in technology, as automakers gain more experience with new platforms and technologies.

Unveiling the Truth About Electric Vehicle Reliability

Improvement in Electric Vehicle Reliability

Consumer Reports subscribers, who participated in surveys throughout 2024, reported that electric vehicles had 42% more problems than gas autos on average. However, this figure is a significant improvement from the 79% more problems noted in the 2023 survey. The survey, which measured the reliability of vehicles mainly from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 model years, also showed that plug-ins had 70% more problems than gas vehicles, but this was less than half the difference found in the previous year's survey. Jake Fisher, head of Consumer Reports' automobile test center, attributes this improvement to the automakers' growing experience with new technologies. "As the automakers get more experience with the new technologies and new platforms, they will improve," Fisher said. He expects plug-in and electric vehicles to continue getting better, further narrowing the gap with gas vehicles. However, one factor that may pose a challenge is that automakers often test new automation and other features on EVs, which can lead to glitches. "Until we get to where an EV is just a car that does practical things with their own powertrain, I’m not sure they’ll ever catch up totally" to gas vehicles, Fisher said.

Comparison with Gas-Electric Hybrids

Gas-electric hybrids, which switch from internal combustion to electric power to improve mileage, were found to be about as reliable as cars with combustion engines. Fisher explained that while the technology is complex, it has been refined for a quarter century, mainly by pioneer Toyota. "CR’s tests have shown that they are often quieter, quicker and more pleasant to drive than their gasoline-only counterparts," he said. This highlights the reliability and performance advantages of gas-electric hybrids.

Brand Reliability Rankings

Consumer Reports' 2024 survey of subscribers representing about 300,000 vehicle owners found that Subaru was the most reliable brand for the first time. This was followed by perennial top finishers Lexus and Toyota. Rounding out the top five were Honda and its Acura luxury brand. It was the first time since 2020 that neither Toyota nor its Lexus luxury brand were in the top spot. The highest-ranked brand from a U.S.-based automaker was General Motors' Buick at No. 11. The five lowest of 22 brands that were ranked were electric upstart Rivian, followed by GM's Cadillac luxury brand, GMC, Jeep, and Volkswagen. The magazine and website didn't get enough data this year to rank Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Lucid, Maserati, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Porsche, and Ram. Electric vehicle sales leader Tesla finished 17th, down three spots from last year's survey. Subaru took first place by following a formula similar to Toyota's for achieving high reliability scores. Instead of making major changes when updating or unveiling new vehicles, Subaru carries parts over from the prior generation. "They don't fix what’s not broken," Fisher said. "They continue to refine their products, and because the products perform quite well, they don't have to have big changes." Rivian, on the other hand, is a new company with new electric models that have more glitches due to the lack of proven powertrains from prior generations.

Most Reliable Vehicles

The survey found that the gas-powered Toyota RAV4 small SUV was the most reliable vehicle, followed by the Toyota Corolla compact car. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was third, followed by the RAV4 gas-electric hybrid. These results highlight the reliability of Toyota vehicles and the growing popularity of plug-in hybrids.Consumer Reports' survey of its subscriber base does not represent all vehicle purchasers in the U.S. or the population that bought specific vehicle types. However, the survey results provide valuable insights into the reliability trends of different vehicle types and brands. The survey results were released at a meeting of the Automotive Press Association of Detroit.

Fort Wayne City Utilities recently made significant strides as it was announced that the company received revenue bond rating upgrades from Moody’s Ratings on Wednesday. This development holds great importance for the city and its utilities.

Unlocking Financial Potential for Fort Wayne's Growth

Overview of the Rating Upgrades

Fort Wayne City Utilities saw remarkable enhancements in its bond ratings. The company's overall position was strengthened, with Moody's Ratings assigning a stable outlook to all three of its city department parts - water, sewer, and stormwater. The revenue bonds were upgraded as follows: The City Utilities bonds were upgraded from an A1 rating to an Aa3 rating, indicating a notable improvement in their creditworthiness. Additionally, the City Utilities water revenue bonds were upgraded from an Aa3 rating to an Aa2 rating, further solidifying its financial standing. Interestingly, the City Utilities stormwater bonds remained at an Aa2 rating, yet this still represents a positive assessment.These rating upgrades have far-reaching implications. They allow the city department to access more funding, enabling it to undertake a greater number of utility-related improvement projects. By securing lower interest rates, the department can make more efficient use of resources and invest in the growth and development of Fort Wayne.

Impact on Economic and Community Development

The significance of these rating upgrades extends beyond just financial matters. As stated by Kumar Menon, Director of City Utilities, "This significant achievement reflects City Utilities’ role in economic and community development. By strategically deploying our regional services, we are meeting the demands of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana’s tremendous growth." The department's ability to provide essential services from planning to completion is crucial for the community's growth. The findings by Moody’s highlight the Utilities’ strong financial management and commitment to completing vital infrastructure projects for the community. It showcases their dedication to creating a bright future for Fort Wayne.For example, with the increased funding and better interest rates, the city can invest in modernizing water treatment facilities, expanding sewer systems, and improving stormwater management. These infrastructure improvements will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also attract more businesses and investment to the area, driving economic growth.

Ensuring Community Services and Growth

City Utilities is committed to being there for the community throughout every stage of development. Whether it's planning new projects or ensuring the smooth operation of existing services, they are dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of Fort Wayne. The rating upgrades provide them with the necessary financial stability to continue this important work.By leveraging these upgrades, the city can focus on long-term planning and sustainable development. They can address current challenges while also preparing for the future growth of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana. This proactive approach ensures that the community continues to thrive and benefits from the reliable services provided by City Utilities.In conclusion, the revenue bond rating upgrades received by Fort Wayne City Utilities are a major milestone. They open up new opportunities for the city to invest in its infrastructure, support economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for its residents. With a strong financial foundation and a commitment to community service, City Utilities is well-positioned to lead Fort Wayne into a prosperous future.

The Al-Ahli Memorial Library's eighth floor, known as the House of Wisdom, holds a special place in the heart of librarian Tamara Masri. Here, amidst the quiet circle of glass and the beauty of people working, she shares the stories of this remarkable place and the lives intertwined within it.

Discover the Stories within the House of Wisdom

Inside the House of Wisdom - A Place of Beauty and Stories

This is the eighth floor of the Al-Ahli Memorial Library, a haven for Tamara Masri. When the elevator door opens, it's like stepping into a world of tranquility. As they walk, she whispers, for this is a place where people are engaged in various activities - reading, writing, and drawing. It truly is a beautiful place to work, and she considers herself the luckiest librarian in the world.Let's begin on the east side, overlooking the city's skyline. Tamara counts five kites in the air. Moving to the west side, the sunset's candy colors mixed with the blue sea remind her of Rukab ice cream. She watches the windsurfers zigzagging around the fishing boats and sees a girl washing a white horse on the shore.Although the room appears circular from the inside, the outside of the building resembles a spiral. The architect was inspired by a single helix reaching up to heaven. The design came to her in a dream where an angel told her to rebuild the House of Wisdom, the Grand Library of Baghdad during the Abbasid era. The angel said that their dark times were over and the golden age had begun. And here they are, sixty years later.Sixty years ago, this was a destroyed hospital where many lives were lost. No books or beautiful buildings could bring them back. But this library was built to honor their lives and the sacrifices they made for liberation.Every day when Tamara comes to work, she has a morning ritual. She goes straight to the "Oversized" section in the middle of the room, where there are at least fifty Tribunal Volumes. She picks one at random and reads for a few minutes, remembering the names and stories. She prays.Before moving on, visitors are welcome to explore the "INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE; VOLUME FIVE". The transcript of proceedings on July 10, 2034, reveals a touching story. Dr. Sufyan al Bursh records the birth of a baby girl, the daughter of the martyr Sabreen al Sakani. The baby was born slightly underweight and one week premature but otherwise healthy. The memory stick with this recording will be attached to the patient.Dr. Sufyan shares his personal thoughts with the baby. He describes the scene at the shore under the white tarp, with the baby sleeping in her incubator, hooked up to a generator. He hopes the baby will know that such moments can exist. He recalls seeing the baby as a small mound in her mother's belly and the struggle he had between saving her and leaving her in the warmth.When the baby was born, she was blue like a guppy. Everything was silent, and it felt like they were at the bottom of the sea. But then came the first breath, and small ribs began to move in his palm like a wave. A nurse shouted "Miracle!" and his hands were shaking as he held the baby's open eyes.Later, a new mother was found to feed the baby. But there are concerns about the availability of food and medicine. Dr. Sufyan imagines sending the baby off into the water towards a light or backwards into paradise. He struggles with doubt and weakness, wondering if bringing the baby into the world was the right thing to do.Tamara's brother Adnan was a surgeon at Al-Shifa Hospital. He was killed when the hospital was attacked. Dr. Sufyan recorded the death date and continues to fight for his patients and the baby.The explosions start again, and Dr. Sufyan ends the recording with a final message. A family tree is made from nasl and asl. Nasl is lineage, and asl is origin. The enemy can cut the branches and the trunk, but they cannot stop the seed from sprouting. Tamara comes to the House of Wisdom every morning to remember the stories and pray.About the Author: Tamara Masri is a writer from Ramallah, Palestine. She studied anthropology at Tufts University and holds a master's degree in evolutionary biology from Imperial College London. In 2024, she attended the Clarion Writers' Workshop. Her work has been featured in Hypocrite Reader, 3 Quarks Daily, and +972 Magazine.Please visit LIGHTSPEED MAGAZINE to read more great science fiction and fantasy. This story first appeared in the December 2024 issue, which also features short fiction by Melissa A Watkins, Lincon Michel, Pat Murphy, Cressida Blake Roe, Adam-Troy Castro, David Anaxagoras, Gene Doucette, and more. You can wait for this month's contents to be serialized online, or you can buy the whole issue right now in convenient ebook format for just $4.99, or subscribe to the ebook edition here.Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.